Tirzepatide, marketed under the name Mounjaro, is a widely popular injectable weight loss medication designed to help users feel satiated for extended periods with just a weekly dose.

According to Kiran Jones, a clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, the surge in demand for these weight loss injections has spawned a hazardous black market filled with unlicensed and counterfeit products that could land users in the hospital. “It’s both alarming and deeply concerning to see ‘Reta,’ short for Retatrutide, being offered online in the UK, despite not being approved for human use,” she noted.

In a significant crackdown, a medicine watchdog in Northampton recently confiscated over £250,000 in counterfeit weight-loss jabs, marking what is believed to be the largest seizure of such drugs globally. Andy Morling, head of the Criminal Enforcement Unit at the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), warned, “These products are untested, unauthorized, and potentially lethal.”

Morling emphasized the importance of exercising “extreme caution” when purchasing medications online, advising consumers to buy only from registered pharmacies to avoid exposure to “harmful chemicals and incorrect dosages that could dangerously interact with other medications.”

“These issues not only render the products ineffective but also pose significant life-threatening risks,” Morling added.

Kiran Jones has outlined five warning signs to watch for when considering injections not obtained through professional medical consultation. If you notice any of these red flags in the products you are using, discontinue use immediately and seek expert medical advice.

Vial Packaging

Legitimate jabs come in pre-filled pens, not glass vials, according to the clinical pharmacist, as it suggests the product has been repackaged and potentially not approved or regulated.

“Legitimate weight-loss injectables like Wegovy are dispensed in pre-filled, pen-style devices designed for safe use. These vials are more susceptible to contamination and dosage inconsistencies.”

Syringe Kits

Being asked to use your own syringe or receiving mismatched equipment is a red flag.

“If you’re being asked to source your own syringes or are sent a kit with unmarked or mismatched equipment, it’s a strong indicator that the product is unofficial or unregulated,” Ms Jones explains.

“Incorrect syringe size or technique can lead to overdosing or injection site injuries and can introduce serious hygiene risks, including infections,” she warned.

Cash Payments

Requests for cash or bank transfers suggest illegal activity; genuine pharmacies and clinics will only take secure, trackable payments.

Ms Jones said: “Cash or bank transfer requests are a common tactic among illegal sellers to avoid detection and create an untraceable transaction trail. This makes it incredibly difficult to track fraud, report sellers, or seek support if there’s a problem.”

Social Media Sales

Offers via TikTok or forums are very likely unregulated and unsafe. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

“Prescription medications should only be supplied by licensed medical professionals and regulated pharmacies.” said Ms Jones. “There is no way to verify what the product contains, whether it’s been stored correctly or if it’s been tampered with.”

Improper Storage

Jabs should be kept cold; warm deliveries may indicate degraded or unsafe products.

“If your product arrives warm, without cold packs, or has clearly been exposed to uncontrolled temperatures, its potency and safety are compromised,” Ms Jones added. “Using degraded medication can lead to reduced effectiveness or dangerous side effects.”